Back In Just A While

Everything will be all right, I said
And smiled a trembling smile
I looked into her pacific blue eyes
Holding her tiny hands all the while
The tears she fought not to shed
Spoke volumes of conflict in her heart
She squeezed my hands as hard as she could
For she knew that this day she’d depart

Daddy, please can’t I stay with you?
I don’t want you to be alone
My trembling smile disappeared all at once
Sent away by her meager tone
I pulled her close and held her long
Could feel her tears run down my cheek
And I was now the one fighting tears of my own
My resolve and my strength growing weak

I squeezed her again, wiped the tears from my eyes
And gathered up all the strength that I had
And looked once again to those beautiful eyes
Those pacific blue eyes so sad
Let me tell you something, I said
About the way that I so love you
She looked at me now so innocently
But her tears they still spilled through

You’re with me all the time, my dear,
In my heart, soul and my mind
There’s never a moment in my whole life
When you leave me far behind
But today your mommy needs you
To stay with her and make her smile
And always remember this, sweetheart
You’ll be back here in just a while

And every minute of every day
I hope to you I’ve shown
That no matter where you are
Daddy will never be alone
So please, my baby, please be strong
And smile your happy little smile
And remember that when you’re away from me
You’re really with me all the while.

--Michael S Haralson
  June 28th, 2004